Youth Voices in Prevention is a youth-led, community-based initiative working to eliminate violence among middle and high school youth (ages 12-17) in the Sioux Falls metro area, including Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and McCook counties. We empower young people with the knowledge and skills to prevent: relational and sexual violence, sexual harassment, dating violence, and bullying.

Program Overview

Youth VIP transforms young participants into community leaders through comprehensive training and engagement opportunities. Our program creates lasting change through three core components:

Day Retreats

Immersive training sessions where youth leaders gain deep understanding of violence prevention strategies and develop practical skills they can implement in their daily lives.

Impact Events

Throughout the year, we organize community events that raise awareness and promote education about violence prevention. These events engage both youth and their families, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.

Peer Education

We believe in the power of youth-to-youth communication. Our trained leaders share their knowledge with peers, promoting a culture of safety and respect that extends beyond our program into schools and social circles.

Adult Mentor and Facilitator Opportunities

Are you interested in making a difference in young lives? We’re seeking dedicated individuals to join our program as mentors and facilitators.

Mentor Role: Volunteers who support and guide youth during program events, walking alongside them on their journey.

Facilitator Role: Professionals who lead discussions and facilitate youth engagement during retreats.

Complete our Mentor and Facilitator Referral Form to express your interest or recommend someone who would be an excellent candidate. For questions, contact us at (605)339-0116 or youthVIP@thecompasscenter.org.

About The Compass Center

Youth Voices in Prevention operates as a program of The Compass Center, an organization devoted to navigating the journey to healing for all affected by relationship, sexual, and family trauma. Through Youth VIP, we extend our mission of healing to include prevention, creating a comprehensive approach to community wellbeing.

Get Involved

Ready to be part of the movement for a safer community? Contact Maranda Hardwick to learn more about Youth Voices in Prevention and discover how you can contribute to positive change in our community.

Youth Voices in Prevention – Empowering youth to lead the way in violence prevention, brought to you by The Compass Center. This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GG-01069-CY awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.